Daijiworld Media Network - Ranchi

Ranchi, Sep 16: Police resorted to lathi-charge on Wednesday to disperse protesters opposing an anti-encroachment drive at Satellite Chowk in Ranchi, after the crowd allegedly pelted stones at police personnel and clashed with women officers.

The incident occurred when officials were clearing land belonging to Heavy Engineering Corporation (HEC). Tension escalated as residents and others gathered at the site to oppose the demolition operation.

Despite repeated appeals from the administration to cooperate, protesters reportedly sat in front of JCB machines, while some climbed onto the machines. Police brought them down, following which the crowd allegedly began pelting stones at the personnel.

Several women police personnel fell during the stone-pelting. Police resorted to lathi-charge several times to bring the situation under control. Both protesters and police personnel sustained injuries in the clashes.

Following the incident, police detained more than half a dozen people from the spot.

Hatia DSP Neeraj said the team conducting the anti-encroachment drive was attacked.

“The mob pelted stones at the police, injuring several personnel. A mild lathi-charge was used to bring the situation under control. More than half a dozen people have been detained in connection with the incident, and the police are investigating the entire sequence of events,” the DSP said.

Residents of the settlement said they had been living there for several years and claimed that the sudden demolition of their homes would create a housing crisis. They demanded that the administration make alternative arrangements before proceeding with the demolition.

The protesters also said the settlement was home to small children and elderly people and questioned where they would go if their homes were demolished.